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London Welsh will be targeting a second European win in their debut cross-border campaign when they take on I Cavalieri Prato at the Kassam Stadium. - 10/01/2013 14:20
London Welsh will be targeting a second European win in their debut cross-border campaign when they take on I Cavalieri Prato at the Kassam Stadium.
The tournament newcomers scarped home 32-31 in their Round 2 encounter at Stadio Enrico Chersoni in October – thanks to an Alex Davies penalty goal with just two minutes left on the clock.
Right wing Joe Ajuwa scored two of the Welsh tries but coach Lyn Jones was disappointed they did not gain a more emphatic win.
The back-to-back December defeats by Grenoble put an end to any hopes London Welsh had of making a real impact in their debut season in Europe.
But Jones is confident the experiences of playing against top teams like Stade Francais Paris – who gave them a torrid introduction back in October – and Grenoble will play vital roles in the development of the Premiership’s newest club.
Match Facts
- In the reverse fixture earlier this term, London Welsh edged a thriller 32-31 to secure their first ever European victory.
- Since defeating Connacht Rugby on their European debut in October 2010, Cavalieri have lost 15 consecutive matches in this tournament, conceding an average of 48 points per game.
- Gavin Henson has kicked five goals from five attempts this season, one of only three men to have attempted five or more and retain a perfect success rate.
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Only Wasps’ James Haskell has made more tackles (47) than Prato’s Luca Petillo, who has completed 45.
Saturday's European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 4 opener at Lyon marks the start of a key period in London Welsh's season
London Welsh eased to their second European victory as they ran in nine tries on their way to completing the double over Italian side I Cavalieri Prato with a 62-5 success at the Kassam Stadium.
The hosts left it late to win the reverse victory at the Stadio Enrico back in October but they were straight out of the blocks on home turf with a Lee Becch try after seven minutes. Alex Davies added the extras with the boot, then edged his side further in front with a penalty.
Hooker Daniel George grabbed his side's second converted try and he was then followed over the line by Jason Lewis.
The hosts completed a dominant first forty minutes by collecting the bonus point score before the break with Tom Arscott touching down.
Alfonso Damiani made up for his first-half yellow card with the first points of the second half, as he crossed for I Cavalieri Prato’s opening score.
That sparked Welsh back into action and they scored two tries in quick succession to regain the momentum.
Davies grabbed the first and converted his own score and Phillip Mackenzie followed him over the line for another seven points.
Full back Arscott collected his brace as the game entered the final quarter but Lyn Jones’ side still had time to run in two more scores and round off the comprehensive victory.
First Ashley Smith scored with six minutes to go then Mike Hill completed the scoring with Welsh’s ninth try.
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